[dahlek]

BobB [Nide44], Echoes and Darlin Deb all brought up a 'feature' of PN that I too have, and have had since my onset. I used to think that it was the 'meds', or at least could blame that for my inabilities of concentration.

I have been learning more and more that I CANNOT read the printed word on the printed page anymore! As said best by others, short articles in the newspaper is a stretch at best, and only in snippets. I used to inhale a book before breakfast daily! And, that was while working full-time. Now, all I can do is either 'skim' quickly and maybe asorb 10% of the text or just stare at pages. I do think this IS a symptom of many neuropathies, as many of us have this issue. It is not recorded as one though. More is the pity.

Strangely tho, and with a lot of effort, I CAN read the computer page....tho I sorely miss the whole 'experience' of holding a book and turning the pages [this last part is very difficult w/little feeling in the fingertips], it is like losing a part of your life really-all sensual and emotional truly.

How many of all of you have this 'deficit' or handicap as well? IF enough of us 'report' it, maybe it will become a diagnostic aspect or feature!

OR, just report how you can no longer reach for those keys in your pocket and 'get' the right one you need, at least not without taking them out and LOOKING at them! Or, buttoning buttons, zipping zippers... you get the idea.

Seemingly small things, but things most others take for granted that we no longer can do. I for one, miss these small things. A lot! Hope others will speak up here as well. Maybe IF enough of us speak about it here? It mite just come to the attention of some astute medical lurker...well, can always hope?

Hugs and hope to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - j

[mrsD]

seasonal affective disorder attack ...I could not read anymore.

In fact I read every night normally. I read many books on vacation this year too. But when depressed...it was a big fat ZERO. My reading has returned to normal now. I missed it alot.

And I don't take major pain drugs at all. It just happened. Now I use the light visor during the shorter days of the year, and my
"depression" is no longer an issue.

[darlindeb25]

seasonal affective disorder

I have always thought this was a problem for me. I hate the days shortening, coming home from work in the dark at 5. Here on the east coast, the sun sets early in the summer, I have never gotten used to the difference between here and Michigan, in that respect.

As for what Dahlek is thinking, I follow that too. Things get taken away from us, like walking in the dark, without dizziness. If I forget to turn on my porch light, I have a terrible time unlocking my door...that never was a problem for me...the disorientation makes me crazy sometimes. I actually do not have much pain, which I am grateful for. The days of weakness get to me though. Like trying to turn the keys in the ignition, or unlocking the car door (I don't have a keychain button for mine), opening bottles, like shampoo, conditioners, liquid soaps...water bottles, you name it.

Reading is something I really miss too. I still try, but I read the same page over and over, and it seems like I get bored so easily. I used to read a book, watch tv, and deal with my 5 kids all at once. I never thought about this being a symptom either.

[nide44]

I think it is primarily due to meds and not the neurological system in our bodies.
It may be that because of discomfort, all the aches and pains become so distracting that it makes it difficult to concentrate, as well.
But I can not see any correlation between neuropathy of the limbs and mental concentration. The neurons mis-firing to our brains from feet or hands, are not related to mental acuity. Drugs may affect it. Distraction, maybe at a subconscious level - constantly ignoring pain, may take over and make it difficult to read.
I find that I constantly fidget, unable to get comfortable and read the same paragraph a zillion times..

[darlindeb25]

I am not on any meds Bob...nothing but vitamins.

[lefthanded]

I too have trouble reading. For some strange reason I keep either buying books or checking them out at the library thinking I will read them quickly. . . only to discover that my eyes can't stay focused on the page, or my mind on the words, or my brain on the concept. I do a lot of reading online, and magazines I can read . . . but even then, I break up my reading over several periods that alternate with doing art, housework, or watching a good film. Part of my issue is with the pain, which is so distracting raw, and still muffled distraction when I find the right combination of meds to make it duller.

And I would love to write. I love to write. I started a blog, but now I don't write in it like I thought I would. I could write a book here, but when I sit down to just write in my blog, it just won't come.

However, I am grateful that I am painting again. As frustrating as it is not being able to finish a book, not being able to finish a painting or start a new one is even more frustrating. And I have found the only time I believe I truly have good pain blockage is when I am deep into a painting. Of course, I also forget to eat, take breaks, or attend to other things on my schedule.

[daniella]

I think for me some has to do with my concentration. I have very little. I can sit and do random things but to really stay focused is hard. My mind wonders. I had tried to take a chrochet class and I got so flustered. I had a bad eye day that day but then the other day I just went to paint pottery and finished, I realized that it was because I didn't have to think or listen I just did. Does this make sense? It is the same with a movie. I like ones that I don't have to think so to speak. Sometimes I even notice when people speak I get distracted. It is not from meds just thinking of my pain and worries.
I do agree about things that seem small taking for granted. Even if I got well tomorrow I would never do that again.

[savannah]

In reading these post I hear depression, inability to concentrate and focus is a classical symptom of depression. depression is a disease and like PN the symptoms can't be seen but they are just as real. For example: disturbed sleep, anxiety, hopelessness, trouble with word finding, memory problems, not being able to focus on metal tasks (reading) , trouble concentrating, loss of motivation, feeling overwhelmed, etc.
That said many of the medications used to treat PN cause similar symptoms especially brain fog.
Some people are using a low dose ritalin or provigal to improve concentration and social interactions.

[melon]

Originally Posted by savannah

In reading these post I hear depression, inability to concentrate and focus is a classical symptom of depression. depression is a disease and like PN the symptoms can't be seen but they are just as real. For example: disturbed sleep, anxiety, hopelessness, trouble with word finding, memory problems, not being able to focus on metal tasks (reading) , trouble concentrating, loss of motivation, feeling overwhelmed, etc.
That said many of the medications used to treat PN cause similar symptoms especially brain fog.
Some people are using a low dose ritalin or provigal to improve concentration and social interactions.

Hello ( New here - sort of )

I've had this since all my Neuropathy woes started back in 99 and have similiar experinces of , loss of focus , boredoom as others here experince.

I personally dont feel it has anythign to with being depressed , at least for me , and find that big part of the problem for me seems to be down to vizualisation and association .

This isnt just restricted to reading - it can happen in films and esp audio tapes as well depending on the readers voice.

Maybe this isnt the same for other here but for me I noticed a direct connection since my ability to visualize / meditate vanished , ironically at the same time I started becoming aware of my neuropathy.

[nide44]

Originally Posted by tepol

.......... find that big part of the problem for me seems to be down to vizualisation and association .
..........Maybe this isnt the same for other here but for me I noticed a direct connection since my ability to visualize / meditate vanished , ironically at the same time I started becoming aware of my neuropathy.

Interesting ...... upon reflection, I think that my creative juices either stopped flowing, or were lessened considerably since my Dx of PN.
Thinking about what I used to do, and what I do now- has cause for examination more closely.
I don't think l have the same drive, or motivation. I know I don't have the same ability for concentration or memorization. But I no longer think creatively or get excited about new ideas and concepts. I really do not get very excited about anything, anymore. More like a flat-line in the enthusiasm dept.
Hmmmm..... I was blaming it on the meds & maybe it is the meds.
But I would like to examine how it possibly could be a Sx of neurological disease. I don't see any connection between pins & needles in my feet and lack of enthusiasm in my outlook, but nothing's impossible.